An Indiana woman is suing the makers of the anti-seizure drug Dilantin, claiming the medication caused her to suffer permanent brain damage. 

Dilantin Side Effects Lawsuit

In August, Penny M. filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, Pharmacia Corporation, Parke, Davis & Co., and Warner Lambert Company, claiming that she developed a form of brain cancer known as cerebellar atrophy at age 56 after taking Dilantin for more than three decades.

Penny’s lawsuit states that until December 2015, the defendants “chose” not to include a warning on the drug’s label about cerebellar atrophy, something Penny claims is but one of several Dilantin side effects. Despite “substantial scientific literature ” as well as “internal adverse event reports, and glaring safety signals clearly identifying Dilantin as a primary cause of cerebellar atrophy,” the drug’s manufacturers continued to market Dilantin as an effective anti-epileptic and failed to warn doctors or patients of the catastrophic side effects, the lawsuit states. It wasn’t until lawsuits were filed by numerous plaintiffs who suffered the same brain type of brain damage as Penny that the defendants added a warning about the risk of cerebellar atrophy to the drug’s label, according to the lawsuit.

Dilantin side effects may include damage to the neurons in the cerebellum, resulting in permanent damage, she alleges.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy, also known as cerebellar ataxia, occurs when there is damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating muscle groups and movement, maintaining balance and posture, controlling eye movements, and speech. The cerebellum also plays a role in regulating mood and cognitive function. When the cerebellum atrophies or is damaged, these processes may be affected.

Common symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include issues with walking and coordination. Those with this condition may walk with a lurching or unsteady gait and their limbs may move in a jerky and uncoordinated fashion. These movements are often accompanied by a tremor affecting the torso. People with cerebellar atrophy may also have difficulty maintaining balance. In addition to difficulty walking, many people with the condition also struggle with fine motor skills. Movements and activities such as tying shoes or buttoning a shirt may be more challenging due to the inability to control muscle groups and make them work together.

Cerebellar atrophy may also cause difficulty speaking. Speech may be slurred, slow, or difficult to understand and those afflicted with it may experience an inhibited ability to swallow. Eye problems can occur as a result of damage to the cerebellum as well, including uncontrolled rapid eye movements, difficulty adjusting vision, and problems following objects or reading.

Finally, cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin may result in emotional changes or cognitive difficulties. It may be hard for those with the condition to retain new information, make plans or keep a schedule, or keep track of their thoughts. Mood swings may also occur, as well as increased anxiety, irritability, depression, or frustration.

Cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin side effects may include increased fatigue and many with the condition may find that they need to concentrate harder when performing fine motor tasks, as well as when walking or talking. The extra energy required to complete these tasks may lead to increased tiredness or irritability.

Unfortunately, cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin is irreversible. Although some symptoms of the condition may be managed with medication or mobility aids, the underlying brain damage cannot be undone.

People affected by Dilantin side effects, including cerebellar atrophy, may be eligible to speak with an experienced attorney about their legal rights. Some victims may be able to join or file a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturers and pursue compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.

Penny’s Dilantin Lawsuit is Case No: 1:20-cv-02164-JRS-TAB, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.